Billy Cundiff shows resolve after costly missed field goal

New England beats Baltimore, 23-20, in the AFC championship game at Gillette Stadium on Jan. 22, 2012.

Bryce MillerDes Moines Register

There was no need to ask Baltimore Ravens kicker Billy Cundiff how missing a potential game-tying field goal Sunday in the final seconds against New England with a Super Bowl trip on the line gnawed at him.

The disappointment already resonated -- a mix of remorse and resolve -- in his voice.

"The timing seemed a little bit off. Just the dynamics of the play," said Cundiff, in hushed tones, during a telephone interview with The Des Moines Register after a 23-20 loss to the Patriots in the AFC championship game. "It's one of those things. But that said, I need to make a 32-yard field goal. It's something I've done thousands of times before.

"I just didn't do it this time."

Cundiff, the former Drake player from Harlan, Iowa, had accounted for eight of the Ravens' points in the game entering the final, frantic minutes -- on field goals of 20 and 39 yards, along with a pair of extra-point kicks.